Emmitt Smith celebrates NFL's international growth in Mexico

Mexico's enduring connection with the National Football League was celebrated by Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, who highlighted the country's significance as the league's premier international market. His remarks came during the announcement of a new commercial partnership with Aeroméxico.

Smith, a key figure in the Dallas Cowboys' dynasty that played at the Estadio Azteca in 1994 before a record crowd of 112,376 fans, recalled the impact of that preseason game. Since then, Mexico has hosted multiple preseason and regular-season NFL games, cementing its role as a vital hub for the league beyond American borders. The NFL's presence in Mexico will be further bolstered this November when the San Francisco 49ers face the Minnesota Vikings at the Estadio Azteca.

Reflecting on what makes a winning team, Smith emphasized the necessity of shared belief in a common vision. "Each player had to believe in the vision," he stated, referencing coach Jimmy Johnson's clear objectives with the Cowboys. "When you start to see that vision work, you become even more convinced."

Arturo Olivé, NFL Director in Mexico, underscored the league's commitment to expanding American football's reach globally, noting the presence of over 40 million fans in Mexico alone. Smith echoed this sentiment, drawing a parallel between building a successful team and the NFL's broader ambition. "The NFL has expanded outside the United States... trying to expand American football in local communities, and that is a way of being champions and having a bigger vision of what you are," he explained.